A 22-year-old social media influencer has been arrested again for allegedly stealing from a Florida Target store. Marlena Velez, who gained attention last month for a previous theft incident, is facing new charges after another shoplifting incident at the same location.
Velez was first arrested in October for allegedly taking 16 items worth over $500 from the Target in Cape Coral. She was identified partly through videos she posted on TikTok, where she has around 400,000 followers. According to officials, Velez used a fake barcode at the self-checkout to steal 16 household and clothing items valued at about $225 during her most recent theft on November 20.
Police were able to connect her to the crime through surveillance footage and noticed that her phone background matched a picture from her Instagram profile. Additionally, a man with a distinctive arm tattoo, who often appeared in her TikTok videos, was present during the theft.
During her first arrest, security cameras captured footage of Velez wearing the same outfit and glasses as the shoplifter. She had even posted a video showing herself selecting items in the store earlier the same day.
This incident has shed light on Velez’s troubled history. She has faced legal troubles before, including a grand theft auto charge when she was just 17 for stealing her friend’s car. Earlier this year, she was also arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart in Cape Coral.
As these events unfold, they raise questions about accountability and the implications of social media on behavior. Velez’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences individuals may face in the age of social media, where personal choices can easily be documented and shared.
